Two men charged over the death of Police Constable Peniasi Racagi have applied for bail in the High Court in what defence counsel described as a challenge to a largely circumstantial case against them.
Forty-two-year-old Keni Salawai and 20-year-old Jope Seniloli, both residents of Qauia in Lami, appeared before Justice Daniel Goundar on Wednesday. The pair, along with a third, are accused of aiding and abetting in causing injuries to Constable Racagi between February 21 and 22, injuries alleged to have resulted in the officer’s death. Racagi’s body was discovered near the beach behind the Lami Oceania Wesley Church in the early hours of Sunday, February 22.
Salawai’s lawyer, Tobia Ravuniwa, told the court his client has not admitted involvement during police interview and urged that the prosecution’s case “mainly places” Salawai in the Lami area at the relevant time. Ravuniwa sought additional disclosure, asking the State to produce further CCTV footage from around Lami Town and the Lami Market that he said could corroborate Salawai’s account that he had been selling cigarettes and moving between late-night gathering spots.
The court also heard defence concerns about the manner in which a DNA sample was taken from Salawai; Ravuniwa asked for related reports and documentation to be disclosed. In response, State Counsel Sadaf Shameem said the prosecution is relying on the “last person seen” concept and pointed to CCTV footage that allegedly places the accused near the scene. Shameem told the court there were also visible, unexplained injuries on Salawai and that an eyewitness purportedly saw the men on the beach where the officer’s body was later found. She indicated the State may seek further investigation.
Justice Goundar pressed questions about the circumstances leading to the charges and set a timetable for the next steps in the case. He gave the State until the 26th of this month to file information and make the necessary disclosures in response to the bail application. Defence was directed to make any requests for further material directly to the State before bringing additional applications to the court.
Both men were further remanded in custody and the matter was adjourned to the 27th of this month. The application is the latest development after earlier reports that the two had been formally charged following consultations with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and remanded to face High Court proceedings on an alleged murder that has prompted a broader police investigation.
Leave a comment